Assisi Animal Health Investigates the Dangers of Chocolate Consumption for Felines

PINEHURST, N.C., Dec. 23, 2016 /PRNewswire-iReach/ -- Assisi Animal Health developed the Assisi Loop®, an effective non-pharmaceutical anti-inflammatory device (NPAID®) that works as a PEMF therapy for animals. The Loop helps heal wounds and relieve pain in cats, dogs, and horses. Assisi investigates the dangers of chocolate consumption for felines.

Cats are not usually as curious about people food as their canine friends, but that doesn't mean that they won't sometimes eat something they aren't supposed to. Unfortunately, chocolate has certain properties that can be toxic to felines—in particular, theobromine and caffeine. Theobromine acts as a diuretic, which will cause your feline to lose fluids. Caffeine will cause the cat's heart to race and stimulate the central nervous system.

The following can be symptoms of chocolate poisoning: vomiting, diarrhea, muscle rigidity, rapid breathing, increased body temperature, increased heart rate, low blood pressure, and seizures. These symptoms will vary based on the type and amount of chocolate the feline has ingested and can dictate the severity of the poisoning. Milk chocolate, baking chocolate, and semi-sweet chocolate are particularly poisonous to felines.  Find a good container or hiding place so your feline is not drawn to "sweets."

If you expect that your feline has chocolate poisoning, take it to your vet immediately. If possible, bring along a sample of your cat's vomit for the vet to have a look at. This can assist with the diagnosis. The vet will perform a physical exam and run several tests to determine if your cat has overdosed on theobromine and caffeine—for example, an electrolyte panel, chemical blood profile, and urinalysis. Keep your feline calm, cool, and quiet while you are waiting for it to be evaluated. This helps keep the symptoms of chocolate poisoning from intensifying too quickly.

Assisi Animal Health's clinical solutions complete the Circle of Care®—the collaboration of veterinarians and owners in animal health and healing. Our company helps veterinary professionals and owners improve the quality of life for companion animals using the Assisi Loop, the non-invasive, non-pharmaceutical healing device that is based on the same FDA-cleared technology used on humans. The device uses low-level pulses of electromagnetic energy to reduce pain and swelling, and to enhance recovery.

Media Contact:Kaysie Dannemiller, Assisi Animal Health, 866-830-7342, kaysie.dannemiller@assisianimalhealth.com

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SOURCE Assisi Animal Health